Which One is the Accelerator and Which One is the Brake?

[BraxtonAnn]

For modern automatic transmission vehicles, the pedal on the far right is the accelerator, which should be pressed when acceleration is needed. The second pedal closer to the right is the brake pedal, used for deceleration or stopping. Some automatic cars may have an additional pedal on the far left, which is a foot-operated parking brake switch. Here are some related points: 1. The dangers of using the left foot for braking and the right foot for the accelerator: While this method prevents confusion between the accelerator and brake, it is not a good driving habit. Although braking with the left foot can be more tiring, it offers faster reaction times than the right foot—sometimes a difference of just 0.2 seconds can prevent a collision. However, in stressful situations, some drivers, especially beginners, may press both pedals simultaneously. 2. The correct approach: Find a proper driving posture for operating the accelerator and brake. Position the heel of your right foot between the accelerator and brake pedals as a pivot point. Then, use your toes to check if you can reach both pedals without moving your heel. If possible, this posture is correct. The advantage is that in emergencies, you can locate the brake pedal quickly, avoiding accidental presses. Additionally, during normal driving, it’s safest to keep your foot on the brake pedal when not accelerating. This habit ensures the safest way to operate the accelerator.

[DiFaith]

I remember when I first started driving, I also often confused the accelerator and brake pedals, which was particularly dangerous. The accelerator is the pedal on the right, which makes the car speed up when pressed; the brake is the pedal on the left, and pressing it hard will slow down or stop the car. In an automatic transmission car, there are only these two pedals: right for the accelerator and left for the brake. If you press the wrong one, such as mistaking the accelerator for the brake, the car will suddenly surge forward, which can easily lead to an accident. When I was learning to drive, I practiced in a parking lot: slowly pressing the brake to feel the deceleration, then pressing the accelerator to speed up, and repeating this a few times until I got familiar with it. I recommend that beginners start at low speeds to ensure they can distinguish between the two before hitting the road, as safe driving is more important than anything else.

[VonCharlotte]

Having driven for over 20 years, I know many beginners struggle with pedal positions: the accelerator is on the right, and the brake is on the left. This design facilitates foot movement: the right foot naturally switches between pedals—pressing the accelerator to speed up and moving to the brake to slow down. Don’t think of using your left foot for braking—automatic transmission cars are controlled solely with the right foot. I remember a friend once caused an accident by mistakenly pressing the wrong pedal due to unfamiliarity with their positions. During practice, repeatedly press the pedals while stationary to feel their resistance—the brake requires more force. A reminder: brakes are more sensitive on wet roads, so modulate your pressure for safe driving.

[LaLaila]

When teaching my child to drive, I explain simply: the accelerator pedal is on the right side of the foot mat, pressing it makes the car move and accelerate; the brake is on the left, pressing it stops the car to ensure safety—don’t panic. The positions are fixed: right for accelerator, left for brake. Beginners tend to get nervous, so I demonstrate gentle pressing exercises in an open area, emphasizing hitting the brake first for emergency stops. Related tips include regularly checking if the pedals are loose to avoid sticking issues. Just stay calm, and they’ll remember with a few more tries.